APPG on Less Survivable Cancers: 6-month update

About the APPG on Less Survivable Cancers

The APPG on Less Survivable Cancers is a new cross-party parliamentary group. It is chaired by Paulette Hamilton MP and made up of more than 20 MPs and Peers who are passionate about tackling the less survivable cancers: pancreatic, brain, liver, lung, oesophageal, and stomach cancer. The APPG advocates for action to improve survival rates, as currently only 16% of people diagnosed survive five years. The group is calling for earlier and faster diagnosis, equitable access to the best treatments, and investment in vital research.

APPG Inquiry into earlier detection and faster diagnosis

In March, the APPG launched its first inquiry into earlier detection and faster diagnosis. Achieving earlier detection and diagnosis is critical for those with a less survivable cancer and plays a vital role in improving patients’ access to treatment and ultimately their chances of survival. Only 28% of these cancers are currently diagnosed at stage one or two, compared to 54% of all cancers.

As part of the inquiry, we held two in-person evidence sessions and launched a call for written evidence. The first session focused on the challenges facing earlier detection and the second on innovating faster diagnosis, with members hearing 11 experts including clinicians, patients and researchers. We also received 12 written evidence submissions.

Our findings made clear that we are at a pivotal moment for transforming patient outcomes and accelerating survival rates through earlier and faster diagnosis. New data analysis revealed that if early diagnosis was doubled across the six less survivable cancers, an additional 7,5000 lives per year could be saved.

Click here to read the full report

Wider activity

Spotlight session on “Unlocking innovation: promoting a more research friendly environment”

In May, the APPG was delighted to welcome clinicians, researchers and patient representatives to discuss the barriers hindering research into less survivable cancers. Speakers discussed the challenges associated with early detection, clinical trials, data usage and regulatory red tape. Read a summary of the session here.

Joint letter on treatment delays

16 members and officers of the APPG have written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, to raise concerns about the delays many patients face between receiving a diagnosis and starting treatment. We  outlined five key recommendations to address these challenges.

What next for the APPG?

Westminster Hall Debate on Less Survivable Cancers

We are working closely with Clive Jones MP to secure a parliamentary debate on this important topic. The debate will offer an opportunity for parliamentarians to push the APPG report’s key recommendations and highlight the importance of earlier and faster diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and the other less survivable cancers.

Joint session with other cancer APPGs

This session will be held later this year in Parliament and will focus on the progress and practical implementation of the National Cancer Plan and explore opportunities for collaboration.

For more information or to sign up to the APPG’s mailing list, please get in touch via email: Abigail.bateman@pancreaticcancer.org.uk